The psychology program set me up for success in my career through a blend of academic rigor and practical experience. Minoring in sociology significantly aided me in my studies and career path by providing a deeper understanding of society and its impact on individuals.
I picked this program because of the amazing opportunity to be in central London while not only studying but also getting an opportunity to work in a completely different society and country.
I love how diverse the multimedia industry is, there are so many different opportunities, whether it’s graphic design, animation production, or beyond. After graduation, I will be focused on exploring a wide range of opportunities within the creative industry and work as a Production Assistant for Blur Studio. Ultimately, my goal is to make a meaningful impact through my work, whether it’s in graphic design or animation production.
English can be a great stepping stone for many potential careers in law, education, writing, publishing, and more. I would also advise most people who are studying within non-business-related fields to at least pick up a business minor to diversify themselves as a job applicant.
In both physics and computer science, I particularly enjoyed delving into research projects that allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. Overall, the combination of hands-on research opportunities, engaging classes, and supportive faculty made my experience at Cal Lutheran truly rewarding and memorable.
To say I lived and studied in Japan while working on my minor in Asian studies I feel strengthens the potency of that minor compared to many classmates also studying in this field which could really benefit me should I choose to utilize this experience in a future career goal.
Connecting my love of being in tune with myself, as well as understanding how to share love with others, I realized helping people through their sensuality struggles, emotionally, mentally, and physically is my calling in life.
Growing up in the disadvantaged and marginalized community of Nyeland Acres in Ventura County, I never saw women, let alone women of color, represented in the legal field. The lack of representation in my community left a profound impact on me and made me aware of the systemic barriers and biases that hinder minorities from pursuing their dreams. With a deep commitment to social justice and a desire to utilize the law as a tool for positive change, political science provides me with the necessary tools and perspectives to pursue a career dedicated to advancing justice and equality.
Many people work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry to help bring projects to life, and I can see myself being one of those individuals. I am drawn to the business side of it. I thrive when working with others, and I am very much a people person. I have developed excellent public speaking skills during my time here at Cal Lutheran, which I believe will be beneficial in an industry that requires collaboration.
The comprehensive coursework in Python and Java programming languages significantly contributed to building my cybersecurity expertise. Engaging in practical coding projects and hands-on applications of coding principles within the curriculum fostered my problem-solving skills. Moreover, the guidance and mentorship from faculty members well-versed in these programming languages and cybersecurity were pivotal in preparing me for the challenges inherent in my current role.
The greatest resources at Cal Lutheran were my professors and the research opportunities. The research opportunities they offer are amazing and accessible, it is so easy to get hands-on research if you want it, and the professors are so willing and flexible to work with your schedule to include you.
I chose this major because I love both biology and chemistry, and biochemistry is the perfect middle ground between them. If you love chemistry and biology, I definitely recommend the major as it is a surefire way to develop your knowledge in all of the sciences and math.
I have always been passionate about approaching English with a social justice lens. In high school, I was fascinated with learning about untold stories of minorities while I invested myself in literature that connected with my experiences as a first-generation Latina woman. I found novels like I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez and so many others that pushed me toward majors such as English and Ethnic Studies.
I chose my major because I always felt it was my strongest subject growing up and I enjoyed it the most. I would only recommend going into mathematics if someone enjoys the subject already. I interned at a financial planning company in Hawaii for the past two summers, which helped me decide what I wanted to do and get a foot in the door pretty early in my college career.
If a student wants to learn about more than just the cell and its structures, and truly understand the big picture, this major is the one for them. I have been able to learn more about the chemical processes that dictate our lives, and how important they are. Through my classroom experiences and research experience with Dr. Michael Abdelsayed, including his belief in me as a potential graduate student, I have developed a passion for going further into the life sciences.
The most life changing part of my experience here at California Lutheran University has been the leadership roles that I have been able to take on. I have the ability to be a part of so many different parts of our campus community. I am learning and growing as a leader, future professional, and person every day because of it. My future career will require me to be able to juggle many different disciplines and departments and my time at Cal Lutheran is preparing me for that.
As a junior at Cal Lutheran, I was taking a class in Hispanic Literature, when my professor at the time, Dr. Rafaela Fiore, recognized the potential of my work and encouraged me to present my research in an academic conference. In the remainder of my time at Cal Lutheran, (the Spanish faculty) worked with me and motivated me to continue my research on Afro-Latin literature. That has now become the topic of my PhD dissertation.
The portfolio class allowed me to showcase my best work on a website, prepare for interviews, and have a presentable resume. This experience has significantly contributed to my preparation for success in my career. Cal Lutheran has allowed me to expand my network, learn new workflows in my career, and truly grasp the fundamentals of filmmaking.
This was a significant stretch for me, balancing my full-time job, family commitments, and community involvement. Despite the challenges, I knew pursuing this EMBA was something I would cherish for the rest of my life, and it’s what my mom would have been proud of.
Being a multimedia major gives you the tools to learn a wide variety of skills, but it’s up to the student to put in the work to master them. Learning subjects such as photography to Illustrator to After Effects helps broaden your knowledge when it comes to applying for internships and jobs, which makes students stand out.
The mathematics major at Cal Lutheran was rigorous and engaging. I was able to acquire a vast knowledge of mathematics that allows me to teach all levels of secondary math. I was also supported by top-tier professors who not only helped me develop my mathematical knowledge, but also exposed me to impactful pedagogical strategies that I use in my own classroom.
I enjoyed the scientist practitioner model that the university employed including the emphasis on the practice of open science and the integration of these principles in research. This program helped me achieve my goals by providing me with a solid understanding of scholarly research and the field of clinical psychology.
I was drawn to the hybrid structure of the EdD program, which provided class meeting times that were convenient for a working professional and provided in-person interaction. This program is for anyone who wants to complete their doctorate degree with the support and interaction of an in-person program combined with the convenience of online instruction.
If you want to be a future school counselor and learn from current working professionals in the field of school counseling, Cal Lutheran’s program is a wonderful fit. Using what I have learned in counseling, I was also able to build my professional portfolio to not only serve as a school counselor, but also serve on several national boards within the college counseling field.
This program continuously pushes me to pursue cultural proficiency. It has provided me with tools on how to be open to new perspectives and has given me insight to support diversity, equity, and inclusion work at Cal Lutheran.